PORT EWEN- Ulster BOCES means different things to different people. For Nick Keglovitz, a Wallkill High School graduate who attended the Ulster BOCES Robotics & Advanced Manufacturing program and also took an Adult Career Education Center Welding course, it meant learning how to become a modern-day machinist, capable of transforming raw metal into a successful career.
Nick’s professional journey began when he was a sophomore at Wallkill Senior High School. “I was exposed to the world of machines by a technical teacher I had who said, ‘You should check out this program [the Robotics & Advanced Manufacturing program],’’’ he recalled. After learning more, Nick realized that he had found his career path. “I ran from there!” he said.
Juggling academic classes, rigorous technical training, and a part-time custodial-type job at a company in the machining trade was challenging, but Nick was more than up to the challenge. During his time at the Career & Technical Center, he even came in first place in the Job Skill Demonstration Year 1 category at the 2021 SkillsUSA regional competition. He also earned his Basic Lathe Operator and Basic Mill Operator certificates from Haas Automation, Inc., a machine tool company.
Nick turned 18 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and enrolled in a 40-hour welding evening course at the Ulster BOCES Adult Career Education Center in addition to his daytime course at the Career & Technical Center. Initially, he had virtual meetings once a week, which were taught by instructor Salvatore (Sal) Ligotino. Later, he balanced his time between online and in-person labs and learning.
“Nick had a clear vision of what his career would be prior to attending Ulster BOCES for Advanced Manufacturing,” Ligotino said. “His focus and determination were refreshing to see.”
As Nick entered his senior year of high school, he participated in the Ulster BOCES Capstone program, landing an internship with Usheco, Inc., a…
Read the full article here
Leave a Reply